Browsing by Author "WII"

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An assessment report on biodiversity value of Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar and Jharkhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) WII
Biodiversity impact assessment report of mandal Thang field firing range Leh, UT Ladakh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) WII
The Shyok valley forms the north-eastern edge of KWS, comprises of Galwan valley and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) plains situated between Siachen and Karakorum mountain ranges. The cold arid landscape of the Shyok valley is characterised by high intensity of solar radiations, tremendous ruggedness of terrain, seasonality in resources, and low productivity. The entire area is steep semi-arid habitat, long riverine habitat, glaciers and towards the north the plains habitat. The remoteness and tough terrain support a unique arid flora and fauna found in this region. Due to the its harsh and cold climatic and topographic conditions, vegetation cover is sparse, along the river the vegetation cover is sometimes dense. This riverine habitat along the Shyok river provide crucial habitats for small mammals and birds. The vegetation in the valley comprises of mixed scrub steppe, sparse vegetation cover, plantation in the lower part of the valley, herbaceous, sedge meadows and grasslands in the north, and riverine vegetation. The dominant plant species in this area were, Myricaria spp, Artemisia spp. Eurotia spp, Lonicera spp, Kobresia spp, Nepeta spp, and, Ephedra spp. The valley is home to endangered faunal species, such as the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) which is endemic to this region in the entire landscape, snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Himalayan/Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco), and other important species. The valley is also home to many bird species (Bhatnagar and Wangchuk, 2001). Military and para-military presence has been predominant since the 1960s. Due to the strategic importance of the area the defence forces have deployed infrastructure, training camps, roads and firing ranges within this valley. The purpose of this study for Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) was to identify, evaluate and report the potential wildlife effects of Military activities in the MTFFR. This process included identification of mitigative measures that may be undertaken to reduce or eliminate potential adverse effects, where appropriate
capture and tagging of black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) and Bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) in Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir, 2014) WII
Modern satellite tracking techniques aid to study precise migration paths, stop over sites and habitat utilization. There is no information is available on migration patterns of water birds in Ladakh. Therefore we conducted a satellite based telemetry study on Black-necked crane (BNC) and Bar-headed goose (BHG) in Changthang Cold Desert Sanctuary. We initially did a reconnaissance survey, we counted 57 cranes and 182 geese in sanctuary, based on which; we shortlisted Chushul, Hanle and Rhongo mashes for capture and tagging of birds. We captured four BHG at Chushul using noose traps, two of them fitted with Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTT) and with conventional neck bands and rings. Whereas two other BHG were collared with only conventional neck bands and tagged with tarsus rings. We also fitted two BNC with PTT and tarsus bands, first at Chusul and second at Rhongo. Till date we received 810 locations with different location classes through ARGOS out of which 558 locations from class 3, 2, 1 & 0 were used for analysis. Preliminary findings revealed that maximum distance travelled by PTT fitted cranes from date of tagging till December 2013 ranged between 279 and 329 km and geese between 361 and 945 km. One of the PTTs of BHG stopped functioning from 30/10/2013 and another BHG fitted with PTT travelled to near Himachal Pradesh Border. Whereas two BHG fitted with only neckband and rings were reported from Gharana Wetland, Jammu. This study was able to track migration of BHG from Ladakh to Jammu via Himachal Pradesh (probably Pong Dam). The movement pattern of the PTT fitted birds are being tracked and may yield further information on their movement pattern and habitat utilization
Eco-friendly measures to mitigate impacts of Linear infrastructure on Wildlife
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) WII
Ecological assessment of sites designated for collection of sand and bouders from river beds of Uttarakhand : study report
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) WII
Economic development invariably requires resources. Extraction of resources from the environment involves changes in the state of the environment. Hence, our ability to integrate development and ecological integrity can help in making informed decisions without affecting the ecological values of the ecosystem. The Riverbed Materials (RBM) are renewable resource which are abundantly used as construction materials. RBMs are byproduct of the massive sediment load and deposition that the rivers carry along the course of its flow. In Uttarakhand, most rivers that run through bhabar tract are targeted for their rich deposition RBM ( sand and boulders). Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation (UAFDC) has proposed extraction of RBM form different rivers in Uttarakhand. Under the direction of Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), vide letter No.11-329/2010-FC, dated 16 November 2010 the Wildlife Institute of India has carried out a study to assess the impact of RBM collection in six rivers (Kosi, Dabka, Nihal, Gola, Sharda and Kiroda Nullah). Subsequently, vide its let No. 8- 80/93-FC (pt.), dated 26 November 2010 the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India directed to add two more sites; viz. Tons and Yamuna Rivers at Kalsi and Rampur Mandi respectively in Chakrata Forest Division. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the study are as under: 1. Assessment and identification of the adverse impacts, if any, of the collection of sand, boulder and other minor minerals on wildlife and its habitat; 2. Identification of the appropriate ameliorative measures to eliminate if possible, or minimize to the extent possible, the identified adverse impacts of the collection of minor minerals on wildlife and their habitat; 3. Identification/ delineation of the migratory corridors in and around the area proposed for collection of minor mineral; 4. Assessment and identification of the adverse impacts, if any, of the non-collection of sand, boulder and other minor minerals from the area identified as corridor on river geometry and soil erosion pattern along the adjoining river banks; and 5. development of an appropriate plan for management of the identified migratory corridors. Such plan inter-alia may include restriction on collection of minor minerals for major part of the year, with a provision of periodic accelerated collection (preferably during the period having least frequency of wildlife movement) to maintain river geometry.
Environmental Impact Assessment study on flora and fauna in Narmada Canal project Rajasthan
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2010) WII
Feasibility study of proposed Katthiwada Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) WII
The WII team conducted the study from February 2007 to October, 2007 involving desk review; field data collection on ecological and socio-economic characteristics; assessment of human disturbance and remote sensing and GIS analysis. On the basis of evaluation of the available forest cover, wild animal presence, landscape attributes (ridges, valleys, water sources, village settlements, proximity to forest areas) – attributes that are vital for survival and reproduction of wildlife occupying and using the area and also considering the socio-economic assessment, the study recommended the establishment of only the proposed Katthiwada WLS but not the Mathwad WLS. The study recommended the inclusion of forest compartments 468 to 475, 453 and 532 of Bhabhra Range (13.67 Km2) in the proposed Katthiwada WLS as it provides additional habitat of good quality to a number of wildlife species. The total area of proposed Katthiwada WLS would be 106 Km2. The study also found that socio-economic and cultural context wherein a predominantly Adivasi population of Bhils and Bhilalas reside and eke out a livelihood from the farm and forest of these areas. This presents specific challenges as well as opportunities for Feasibility Study of Proposed KWLS conservation in the area. The households depend on forests for fuelwood, fodder and NTFP for subsistence or sale. These resources are vital to the households and there is little or no capacity within these households to purchase fuels and source fodder. Farm productivity also being low on account of poor soils and lack of adequate farm inputs, people resort to seasonal ‘out migration’ and cultivation along sub-marginal tracts within the forests.
Feasibility study of proposed small dams in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) WII
This study carried out for a rapid assessment of the proposed dam sites scoping to: (a) assess wildlife values with respect to faunal, floral and aquatic values and potential impacts of dam, and (b) assess the feasibility of alternative sites. Keeping the aforesaid objectives in view, carried out a feasibility study in the context of impact on flora, fauna (mammals) and ichthyofauna in the proposed dam sites.
Knowledge support to development of guidelines, Specialized field studies and training on Human wildlife conflict mitigation in India, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) WII
The primary aim of the project was knowledge support to development of guidelines, specialized field studies and training on Human Wildlife Conflict mitigation in India. In order to achieve this aim, the following measures were planned: (a) Supporting the development of national strategy and action plan & SOPs, leading the state-level HWC mitigation guidelines for Uttarakhand, and supporting in Karnataka and West Bengal, in a participatory manner engaging all key stakeholders. (b) Support to MoEFCC on database on human wildlife conflict in India. (c) Specialized field studies and pilot measures at the project pilot sites in Karnataka, West Bengal and Uttarakhand. (d) Implementation of training and other capacity development measures engaging key stakeholders
Mitigation measures for doubling of the Tiniaghat-Castlerock-Caronzol, SWR Railway track, Karnataka
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2020) WII
The Indian Railway network, spread across 1,23,542 km (as of 2018-2019), is a vital component of transportation infrastructure since its inception in 1850. The railways have been pivotal in integrating markets, increasing trade, shaping finances besides serving as the backbone of linear transportation services. Even though railways are regarded to be an environmentally friendly option when compared to other forms of linear infrastructure, the development and expansion of rail networks pose challenges to the environment and biodiversity of the forest areas it passes through. Railways can pose both physical and behavioral barriers to wildlife and have negative impacts such as disturbance and mortality on populations living in proximity. The Railway Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has proposed the doubling of the existing railway track between Hospet, Tinaighat, and Vasco Port that measures 345 km in length. The sanctioned project consists of 2 main phases: doubling of a line between Hospet and Tinaighat (Phase I) and between Tinaighat and Vasco (Phase II). At present, the existing single line limits the capacity of running trains in the critical ghat (hilly) section. Given the terrain of the region, landslides during the monsoons interfere with the functioning of the line. RVNL has justified the doubling of the railway track by stating that in addition to improving mobility and all-weather rail links in the region, the proposed doubling would also increase connectivity, trade, and commerce, enhance tourist flow, augment intermediate railway station facilities, and reduce bottlenecks of railway traffic in the ghat section. The Western Ghats that extend along the south-western parts of India, is known to harbour a wide diversity of flora and fauna and is one of the four biodiversity hotspots of the Indian subcontinent. In terms of faunal diversity, the area is home to about 30% of Asian elephant population, about 33% of India's wild tiger population and about 26% of India's leopard population (Jhala et aI., 2019; Jhala et aI., 2020). The landscape forms one of the largest and most contiguous protected area networks in the country. Within the Western Ghats, the Anshi-Dandeli-Sharavathi Valley complex consists of the protected areas of Mollem-Netravali, Anshi-Dandeli, Sharavathi Valley-Mookambika along with reserved forests of Goa which continue to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The major tiger source population in the complex is that of the Anshi National Park and Dandeli WLS (Qureshi et aI., 2014) that together form the Kali Tiger Reserve. Among the important tiger source populations in the landscape is the Anshi and Dandeli tiger population that provides a critical link to the northern Western Ghats, extending up to Goa and South Maharashtra (Sahyadris), which is threatened by anthropogenic activities such as land-use conversion and construction of linear infrastructure. The landscape is also home to 252 species of amphibians with 90% endemics, 108 species of reptiles with 56% endemics (Dahanukar & Molur, 2020; srinivasulu et al. 2015), and about 600 species of evergreen woody plants with more than 60% endemic. In the past decade, more than 100 species of amphibians and -50 species of reptiles have been discovered from Western Ghats (Aengles et aI. , 2018; Dahanukar & Molur, 2020; reptiledatabase.org). The area where the railway doubling is proposed falls in the Uttara Kannada region of the northern Western Ghats which is known to harbor approximately 50 species of amphibians that constitute almost one-fourth of the total Western Ghats amphibian diversity (Ramachandra et aI., 2012). The approved alignment of the proposed line is parallel to the existing railway line and mostly lies within the railway land. However, the new railway (i)line is deemed to pass through the Kali (formerly Anshi-Dandeli) Tiger Reserve in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka and would impact the ecosystem during the construction and operational phase. Considering the irreplaceable ecological importance of the landscape and the critical link it provides for the Western Ghats, the project was required to obtain environmental clearance that included an environmental impact assessment study and a mitigation plan to reduce, offset and mitigate the negative impacts of the proposed doubling. A biodiversity assessment for the proposed line was then conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) during the years 2017-2020. Environmental and Biodiversity Assessment by IISc Two environmental assessment reports were submitted by IISc (Sukumar and Sitharam, 2017 and Suresh et aI., 2020), detailing the floral and faunal studies of the project area in two stretches of the proposed railway track (Kulem to Castlerock, and Castle rock to Tinaighat). The authors carried out detailed assessments on the vegetation of the area during both study periods, and the structu ral and functional aspects of vegetation, and forecasts of a loss of vegetation in alternative rail alignment scenarios were reported. For mammals, sign surveys, camera trapping, and opportunistic sightings were recorded to assess the presence of mammals near the railway track and to identify areas of high animal activity and movement. As a result, stretches of railway tracks specified by chainages and critical animal crossing zones were reported. General recommendations for mitigation were proposed for such areas. For the herpetofaunal component, the studies documented the diversity and rail kills of amphibians and reptiles in and around the study area. However, no specific mitigation measures were provided aimed at reducing the impacts on amphibians and reptiles. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was subsequently requested to undertake the task of proposing mitigation measures for the proposed railway track doubling project by the DIG (Wildlife), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India vide Letter F. No. 6-55/2020WL(part) dated 28th August, 2020 recommending that "detailed study for prescribing mitigation measures in this difficult terrain may be conducted by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The study may cover the entire 25 km stretch of the project area from Castlerock in the Kamataka side to Kulem in Goa. The objective of the study by WII was to assess the length of existing and proposed railway track to suggest site-specific mitigation measures that will reduce the barrier effect, (ii) allow permeability for wildlife movement across the railway, and minimize rail-induced mortality. We carried out a rapid survey from 19th November to 5th December 2020. The main aims of the exercise were: 1. To assess potential animal crossing zones along the existing and proposed railway track. 2. To carry out inventory of herpetofauna along the railway track, identify potential microhabitats along the track. 3. Coalesce information obtained from field survey with baseline data in IISc assessment reports (2017, 2020), and 4. Suggest site-specific mitigation measures based on the intensive track survey, information obtained from field study and IISc reports. To identify potential animal crossing zones, we carried out camera trapping and sign surveys along the railway tracks. We also used rail mortality data from the Karnataka forest department and any opportunistic sighting or sign encountered during the survey to identify such areas. Visual encounter surveys, opportunistic surveys, stratified plot sampling, and collection of opportunistic rail kill data to assess the herpetofaunal diversity and identify critical zones for mitigation. We also surveyed the entire length of the existing alignment accompanied by a railway engineer to assess the proposed rail alignment, and review the crossing and drainage structures proposed by the railways in terms of suitability for animal crossing. The scope of constructing additional mitigation structures based on topography, probability of animal movement and engineering constraints was discussed on field. Summary of results Camera trapping spanning 660 trap nights yielded 156 captures of 17 mammals species along the railway track. We recorded 203 animal signs through sign surveys of 175 habitat plots near the railway track. A total of 47 species of herpetofauna was recorded during the survey. This number is expected to be higher since the study was conducted within a short period during the non-breeding season. The study revealed that perennial and seasonal streams, and ephemeral water bodies were crucial habitats for herpetofauna. Camera trap data indicated that tunnels along the railway track are being used as natural passages by animals for their movement across the landscape. Hotspots of animal activity were visualized by overlapping all animal signs, sightings, photo-captures and mortality data using kernel density analysis on GIS-platform. These were then combined with the hotspots identified in the IISc reports, and potential multi-taxa animal crossing zones were thus delineated. Mitigation measures for the rai/way track Mitigation measures for the proposed railway track evolved through a multi-step simultaneous process. We first evaluated the existing and proposed drainage and crossing structures on field, assessed the possibility of making the structures more suitable for wildlife movement and constructing additional non-drainage crossing structures, and finally overlapped potential multi-taxa crossing zones to finalise the location and dimensions of the crossing structures.
National studbook of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) WII
National studbook of Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) WII
National studbook of Nilgiri langur (Trachypithecus johnii)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) WII
National studbook of one horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) III edition
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) WII
National studbook of snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) WII
Priority areas for ecological assessment along samruddi corridor, Maharashtra, India: preliminary report
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) WII
Global conservation strategies depend strongly on the creation and strengthening of the protected area network. However, several protected areas are facing new challenges of development In their surroundings leading to habitat f fragmentation and species loss. Roads are essential transport infrastructure to support India's endeavors of fulfilling vital transportation needs across the country. In the last decade, negative impacts of road network has been significant. .Special attention. is therefore required to protect wildlife values like corridors and distribution ranges of wildlife species that overlay the alignment of the expressway. The task, therefore, is to foresee conservation beyond protected areas that undergo modification due to growing infrastructural development, which eventually exerts pressure on protected areas. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has proposed to build a smart green expressway connecting Nagpur to Mumbai. The highway aims at strengthening the rural agriculture sector while enhancing mobility. Although, the proposed alignment does not cross through any existing protected areas nevertheless MSRDC has envisaged developing the road as wildlife friendly infrastructure aiming at conservation outside protected area network. The objective of this report is to assist MSRDC and Government of Maharashtra in addressing ecological concerns at an early stage of planning the highway for safeguarding wildlife values. The preliminary report by the Wildlife Institute of India provides a framework for the protection of wildlife along the proposed alignment (701 km) of Nagpur Mumbai expressway, Maharashtra, India. This report aims at developing a roadmap to assess and evaluate ecological implications of future road development in the landscape with special emphasis on wildlife corridor function. Relevant mitigation measures shall avoid these impacts (direct, indirect and cumulative) of road infrastructure on various wildlife taxa and their habitats within the three landscapes of Maharashtra. The consecutive assessments conducted post this report will provide a strategic mitigation plan to present and minimize impacts of the proposed expressway on ecological habitats and wildlife. The Nagpur-Mumbai expressway is planned to be the first of Its kind project, where mitigation measures for wildlife are planned before? the road is built. This report helps in identifying the Important wildlife habltats that may require further assessment to design appropriate mitigation structures
Recovery of Dugongs and their habitats in India : an integrated participatory approach - Annual Progress Report III
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) WII
Dugong (Dugong dugon), also called 'Sea Cow', occurs in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and Gulf of Kutch in India. These marine mammals are herbivores which spend their full life in the sea. They are the only extant species of the family Dugongidae. All existing members of the order Sirenia (including the Dugong) are listed as vulnerable to extinction. All populations of Dugong are also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Several reasons have been attributed to their population decline, some of which include seagrass habitat loss and degradation, gill netting, disease, chemical pollutants, consumptive use, and hunting. 2. Major objectives of this program is to a) Assess dugong population status through advanced census techniques and determine its abundance and distribution, identify critical habitats, classify threats and develop site-specific monitoring plan to reduce poaching and incidental entanglements, b) Characterize the critical dugong habitats, reduce direct and indirect threats, c) Raise awareness on the species and encourage the participation of the local communities; and d) Enhance the capacity of the State Forest Department staff and develop/implement smart patrolling tools to improve protection enforcement; train forest staff and local communities in underwater surveys for long-term habitat monitoring. 3. A participatory approach to recover dugongs and their habitat in India: Year 2018-19 was excellent because of active involvements of major stakeholders in this project. All state Forest Departments, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, State Fisheries Departments, State Education Departments, local universities and NGOs could actively participate in implementing this project in the field that not only helped to minimise the dugong mortalities and helped to conserve overall marine biodiversity of the region. We involved the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, Fisheries and Marine Police personals in our volunteering network by conducting several short orientation workshops with them on dugongs and seagrasses. For example, 15 Indian Navy officers from INS-Utkrosh participated in the program where the CAMPA-Dugong team (ANI) briefed them about basic data documentation on sighting a dugong and other marine mammals in the logbooks distributed. Similarly, integrated trainings towards marine biodiversity monitoring and management was given to group of frontline staff from Forest, Fisheries, Marine Police and local youths in all three regions. An orientation program was conducted with the glass bottom boat operators, to sensitize them about the importance of this stretch for dugongs in terms of controlled boat speeds when a dugong is spotted. Further, these operators were included as a part of the dugong monitoring network. All these efforts helped us in reporting of dugongs by these trainees including fishermen from these regions otherwise those sightings were never reported earlier. Further, volunteer release of incidentally captured dugong by fishermen, identification of leaking site of dugong in Palk Bay, sightings of dugongs by Navy and Coast Guard are all few examples for the outcomes of this participatory approach.
Transportation essentials for Asian elephants : technical manual
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Uttarakhand Forest Department, 2021) WII
Transportation of both captive and wild elephants is a necessity For a variety of management reasons. However, unplanned and poorly executed transportation can cause enormous stress to the elephants, jeopardize their safety and compromise their well-being. Such operations can also pose considerable risks to the Frontline staff, elephant handlers, veterinarians and other support personnel involved. In order to minimize risks to both elephants and the personnel involved, meticulous planning and consideration of a number of critical points are essential. Proper justification of the need to transport elephants is crucial. Equally critical is the need to evaluate availability of trained manpower with adequate experience and other essential resources to safely transport elephants. Although elephant transportation is not uncommon, precautionary measures to be considered and best practices to be Followed to minimize the risks to both the elephants and the personnel involved are not readily accessible For the field managers. The Frontline managers at the helm of the operations are often handicapped when such ready references are not available. Acknowledging this lacuna. this document aims at aiding managers dealing with captive and wild elephants to be better prepared to safely transport elephants. The document IS intended For veterinarians, wildlife biologists, and field officers working in the field. It details the preparatory essentials For elephant transportation, aspects of loading and restraining elephants, safety considerations, vehicle preparation For the travel and veterinary considerations. Considering that there are Rapid Response Teams IRRTs) at most conflict-prone Forest jurisdictions, this manual hopes to aid the RRT to be prepared to handle elephants during conflict situations.